A Step by Step Guide to Conveyancing for Buyers and Sellers

Conveyancing refers to the legal process of buying and selling a house. It covers everything from carrying out property searches and reviewing contracts to transferring funds and registering ownership. A conveyancing solicitor manages this process on your behalf, ensuring the transaction is legally sound and protecting your interests throughout.

A common question from house buyers and sellers is how long conveyancing takes. While timescales vary depending on the property and circumstances, most residential transactions in England and Wales take between 8 and 12 weeks. 

Delays can occur due to property chains, search results, mortgage issues or slow responses to enquiries, which is why working with a solicitor from the start can help keep the process on track.

If you are buying or selling a leasehold property, the overall process can often take longer due to your solicitor dealing with third parties such as Management Companies or Landlords. If you are aware of these third parties from the outset, please ensure you let your solicitor know so that communication can be made as soon as possible, which will in turn avoid further delays.

The first step in the conveyancing process is instructing a solicitor. This can be done once an offer is accepted or earlier to help avoid delays. Instructing a solicitor at an early stage can help keep the conveyancing timeline on track.

At this stage of the conveyancing process, your solicitor will:

• Confirm their instructions and fees
• Carry out identity and source of funds checks
• Request initial information about the property or purchase

Once a solicitor has been instructed, the conveyancing process moves on to gathering and reviewing the initial legal paperwork. This stage involves preparing key documents for the property and allows both parties’ solicitors to begin assessing the legal position before enquiries are raised.

Seller Responsibilities

Sellers will be asked to complete property information forms, including details about boundaries, disputes, fixtures and fittings. 

If the property is leasehold, additional information will be required. This may include a copy of the lease, details of ground rent and service charges, buildings insurance information and a management information pack from the freeholder or managing agent. 

Providing this information early can help reduce delays.

Buyer Checks and Reviews

Buyers’ solicitors will receive the draft contract pack and begin reviewing the legal title, planning information and supporting documents. This stage forms the foundation of the conveyancing process and helps identify potential issues early on.

Property searches are a key part of the conveyancing process when buying a house. Common searches include:

• Local authority searches – Checks with the local council for planning issues, building regulations, road schemes or enforcement notices that might affect the property.
• Environmental searches – Looks for risks such as flooding, land contamination or other environmental hazards that could impact the property’s safety or value.
• Drainage and water searches – Confirms how the property is connected to mains water and drainage systems and identifies potential issues with foul and surface water drainage or flooding.

Once searches are returned, solicitors raise enquiries to clarify any concerns. Sellers’ solicitors will respond to these enquiries on their client’s behalf.

Searches and enquiries often affect how long conveyancing takes, but they are essential for reducing risk.

At this stage, the focus shifts to securing the buyer’s mortgage and assessing the condition of the property. This step is important for both buyers and sellers, as it confirms financing, highlights any potential issues and allows both parties to address concerns before moving towards exchange of contracts.

Buyer Mortgage and Survey Checks

If you are purchasing with a mortgage, your lender will issue a formal mortgage offer. Before exchange, buyers often arrange a property survey to assess the condition of the home.

There are different types of surveys, including:

• Condition Report – a basic survey highlighting major issues.
• Homebuyer Report – more detailed, identifies structural defects, repairs needed and potential risks.
• Building Survey – a comprehensive inspection, recommended for older or unusual properties.

A survey helps buyers understand the state of the property and may highlight defects or repairs that could affect the value. If any issues are identified, your solicitor will advise on the legal implications and the next steps, including raising enquiries with the seller or renegotiating terms if necessary.

Seller Responsibilities Following a Survey

Sellers may be asked to respond to renegotiations if a survey highlights defects. They should also be prepared to answer queries from the buyer’s solicitor, provide supporting documents such as building warranties or proof of repairs and consider whether any remedial work is needed or if a price adjustment is appropriate. 

Prompt communication with their solicitor at this stage helps keep the conveyancing process on track and ensures any issues raised by the survey are resolved efficiently.

Once all information has been gathered, your solicitor will explain the contract, highlight any risks and confirm your legal responsibilities.

Both buyers and sellers will be asked to:

• Approve the contract terms
• Sign the contract
• Agree a completion date

This stage ensures everyone is fully informed before making a legally binding commitment.

Exchange of contracts is the point at which the property transaction becomes legally binding for both buyers and sellers. Once contracts are exchanged, buyers usually pay a deposit which is typically 5–10% of the purchase price. Completion dates are also fixed, giving both parties a clear timetable for moving or receiving funds. Both parties are then committed to the sale or purchase and backing out without legal consequences may result in financial penalties.

At this stage, your solicitor will ensure all documentation is in order, any conditions are satisfied and both parties fully understand their obligations. Knowing when and how contracts are exchanged is a key milestone in the conveyancing process, providing certainty and confidence for everyone involved.

Prior to completion, solicitors carry out final checks and prepare for the transfer of funds. This may include final searches, requesting mortgage funds and preparing completion statements.

On completion day, the purchase price is transferred and ownership officially changes hands. For buyers, this means collecting the keys and moving in. For sellers, it means handing over possession of the property. 

Your solicitor ensures that all funds are correctly transferred and that both parties meet their obligations, helping to make the final stage of the conveyancing process as smooth as possible.

After completion, your solicitor will:

• Pay any Stamp Duty Land Tax due
• Register the change of ownership with the Land Registry
• Provide copies of final documentation

Although the move has taken place, these steps complete the conveyancing process.

The legal process of buying and selling a house involves significant financial and legal risk. Using a conveyancing solicitor ensures the process is handled correctly, potential issues are identified early and you receive clear, practical advice at each stage.

Every property transaction is different and understanding the steps involved can help you feel more confident and prepared. If you are buying or selling a property, contact GSB today and speak to one of our conveyancing solicitors and get tailored advice throughout the process.